Category: Evangelism

I was sitting at a red light downtown last night when I was struck with a thought. It was sparked by seeing a homeless woman holding a sign that read, “Anything helps”. As I sat there, I tried to avoid eye contact as I felt pity on her and knew I had no cash on me to offer — other than $35 in Canadian currency, which is of little use in Spokane. Driving away, the thought struck me; never in the Gospels is there mention of Jesus handing out money to the homeless. While it doesn’t expressly imply that he never assisted those in need with financial assistance, I believe it gives a stronger implication about how best to help those in need, one that is starting to take root.

Jesus came into contact with many who were homeless beggars throughout his earthly ministry, but his actions were markedly different from what his followers do today. It is easy and simple to hand out financial assistance, but it really doesn’t alleviate their condition. Yet it is exactly this method we, as Christians, often take. “Here’s five bucks. It’s all I can spare, but I hope it helps.” Five dollars can get you a few meals if you have means to cook. I can buy several cans of Campbell’s Soup on five dollars, but then I’m back to wondering how I’ll afford to buy more when the money runs out. Have you really addressed their need?

When Jesus came into contact with the man born lame, he did not just drop a few coins at his feet and say, “Here. Get something to eat.” Jesus addressed his real need, both physical and spiritual. He first says, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven,” (Matt. 9:2) then he addresses his physical need and commands him to get up and walk.

The people we encounter in our own daily lives may not be born lame, but their needs are no less requiring a long-term fix. The homeless are not in need of a simple hand out. They are in need of sustainable income. Granted, there are those that are homeless by choice and have made panhandling a vocation (and scripture addresses this as well); the majority do not want to be in their current circumstance. Are we willing to take the time to truly address their need. Are we willing to develop meaningful relationships with those in need? Are we willing to support and encourage these individuals until they are able to “stand on their own two feet” or do we leave them lying in their situation? If in the same circumstance, what would you be longing for most? A temporary handout or someone who helped you find long-term employment and a way off the street? Perhaps we should follow in Jesus’ footsteps and reach them, get to know them. Then, we can truly be the Body of Christ and let Jesus continue to heal the lost and broken.

For those of you who don’t know, I evangelize every other Tuesday. We wander about the STA Bus Plaza downtown and share the gospel with all who are willing to hear. In warmer months, we sometimes head to River Front Park. And as our team grows, we may have groups at both places as well as branching out into other parts of Downtown.

We also do prayer and healing for those who want prayer and or healing. I’ve seen some strange things down there that just make you say, “Yea God!”, from the drunk man who instantly sobered the moment we laid hands on him as we spoke the Gospel Message, to the man who broke down crying when we told him what Jesus had done for him.

Yesterday was my first time I actually took to speaking more than a few sentences, which put me out of my comfort zone, but I soon got comfortable. We talked with a few people.
One told us that he was dating a Christian girl and went to church with her, but he didn’t really believe in it. He has a few hang ups which I tried to answer, but I don’t know if he accepted the words I had to say. He eventually had to catch his bus, but I hope that my words will have some effect.

We never know what part we may play in someone’s decision to come to Christ. I know there were several in my journey, each delivering a piece of the puzzle, until I finally came to see enough of it to want to seek the last piece, and that was Jesus. From Pastor Wymer, to a youth pastor named Nate, select friends, family, a mormon girl (strangely enough), and finally Pastor Joe Wittwer of Life Center. All have had a hand in my journey, and I have no doubt that God tossed them in my path to reach me. That’s a blessing in itself and a testament to God’s love. If it was me, I make maybe one or two tries to get someone’s attention then give up and move on. Aren’t you glad God’s not like me? That He’ll keep trying until it’s clear that there is absolutely nothing further He can do to persuade you?

This is why I am driven to go evangelize, so that God can use me as His instrument and advance his Kingdom. I’d do it more often if I had the opportunity, but I’d need at least another person to go with me.

Yesterday I also talked with a man by the name of Leshai (I’m guessing on the spelling, sounds like leh-SHY). He’s a man on fire for God and is a teacher at his church, though I can’t even remember the name of it. He has an interesting testimony, and had a near-death experience quite a few years ago. I might have to check out his church sometime just to see what it’s like. It sounds impressive, but I do know Life Center is where I need to be.

If you guys ever want to come join us, feel free to contact me and ask. We’re always accepting more to our group. The more people we have down their, the more people God can touch through us.

As a few of you know, I do street witnessing and evangelism every other week at the STA Bus Plaza downtown. Tonight I saw the full gambit. From those that were accepting, to those that waved us off (not always with all 5 fingers), to those that felt it fitting to mock us. All in all it was a good night however. I saw plenty of what Pastor Joe would call “Yeah God!” moments. Ever watch a man who is skeptical suddenly break down into tears after praying for them and crossing the line of faith? There’s a “Yeah God!” moment. Ever watch demons cast off of a person? Seeing the light return to their eyes, the smiles returning to their faces, their posture straightening, their inner glow returning? There’s a “Yeah God!” moment. We prayed with a man that wanted to pray but couldn’t due to the demons that bound him. We talk with a skeptic who had many questions needing answers and, tonight, God was made real to him. Someday I hope each an everyone of you gets to witness a “Yeah God!” moment. The impact it has on your life, let alone the life of the person it happens to, is immense.